Faster than a Donkey!

I’ll make it quick today, as I’m trying to conserve battery – the power has been out for the past 2 days in my home. A ‘lorry’ (big truck-trailer) came down the edge of the Rift Valley (about a 1km vertical descent, stretched over 7km of road) and lost control. It plowed off the edge of the road, knocked over a power pole, and crashed into a shop/home made of wood and tin. Walking past, the only visible part of the lorry is the back end. The casualties: a chicken and a dog.

I was supposed to go on a field trip with Form 1 students today, from Karima - but late last night the trip was cancelled for reasons of 'transport' (not enough money?). I wasn't informed, though - so I got up this morning at 5am, and was bucket-showered and ready to go at the road by 6am. I missed Ms. Krajicek's impeccable organisation (& communication!) skills...

Faster than a Donkey Pulling Water

That’s how quickly I got to school on my bike this week! It’s a rare day when I am able to ride to a school, here in Kenya. I can only ride to 2 of the schools, which are within 10 km of my home. If I am in the city (fixing a computer, meeting with officials, printing documents) and I come back to the schools for the afternoon, I’d rather not ride in the heat of the day.

But this week I was able to ride to Karima Secondary, located on the road to Narok (the road to Maasai Mara – home to the lions/tigers/elephants/savannas of touristy Kenya!).

I managed to speed past – get this – not one but TWO donkey carts! Yup, that’s the Mali you know – the speedy cyclist :-)

Homesickness

My goal with this blog is to help share the amazing experience I’ve been given with others who are unable to be here this year. And, part of that experience is a bit of homesickness.

This week I’ve missed a lot of things about home – mostly, friendships. Most of all, though, I’ve missed the sense of permance, the sense of community, that I don’t have here – on my temporary visit. If I were staying here for the next two years – then, I’d buy CDs, decorate my home, and have the assurance that the friendships I begin will truly last. As it is, to be here and to know I am leaving in 2 months… means that I can’t truly create the kind of long-term sense of community that I want most right now.

Exciting Developments

There have been many, this past week! The Bodwell grade 8 class has begun a real communication with 4 grade 8 students here; PowerPoints from Canada & Kenya have been exchanged; and on Sunday, I hope to meet with a ‘carbon offsets’ expert to put in place a structure for students & staff of Bodwell.

Hope you're all doing well. Pictures & more to come as power & time allow.

Mali